From the office of the Regional Director, Koronadal City, July 15, 2011.

The SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Council (RDC), chaired by General Santos City Mayor Darlene Magnolia R. Antonino-Custodio, passed a resolution enjoining all local government units (LGUs) to intensify information campaign on the current minimum wage rate in Region 12 during the its second quarter meeting held on June 21, 2011 in Kidapawan City.

The LGUs are enjoined to put-up 5 X 11 feet billboard in conspicuous places in their area for the purpose of keeping the public informed of the current minimum wage and to attain higher compliance rate among covered establishments in the region.

The resolution was sponsored by Mr. Joemarie P. Angeles, a private sector representative (PSR) in the RDC, representing labor sector, and a member of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board XII.

Effective April 1, 2011, the region has implemented Wage Order No. RB XII-16 which provides daily minimum wage rates of P260.00 for workers in the non-agricultural sector; P240.00 for agriculture (plantation); P235.00 for agriculture (non-plantation); P240.00 for retail/service establishments employing more than 10 workers, and; P234.00 for retail/service establishments employing less than 10 workers.

This region’s compliance rate for minimum wage was 72.40% in 2010 and 67.15% in the first semester of 2011.